Broke down and bought Skyrim to play on my flights this week. While playing it mobile is neat, the port has a couple of rather basic issues:

- The text is so small, I can barely read it. Doesn't seem to be any way to increase it.
- There's no gamma adjustment slider, and dark areas are really dark. As in, it's nearly impossible to see what you're doing. If I hadn't have already run a couple of the starter dungeons multiple times, I'd have been completely lost.
- The only way I've found to open the map is hit +, go to quests, highlight a specific quest, then hit Y to "Show on map". It's a pain in the ass, but maybe there's an alternate shortcut I'm missing.

I finally broke down and bought one of the Pro Controllers for my Switch last night. I was finding that my hands got a little cramped when playing with the JoyCon version.

I have to say that I'm incredibly impressed with it. The difference between it and the JoyCon mount is night and day, and it's a remarkably comfortable controller. It's a bit heavier than a PS4 controller, but feels just right. I had initially put off buying one because the $70 price tag annoyed me, but it's absolutely worth every penny.

I finally broke down and bought one of the Pro Controllers for my Switch last night. I was finding that my hands got a little cramped when playing with the JoyCon version.

I have to say that I'm incredibly impressed with it. The difference between it and the JoyCon mount is night and day, and it's a remarkably comfortable controller. It's a bit heavier than a PS4 controller, but feels just right. I had initially put off buying one because the $70 price tag annoyed me, but it's absolutely worth every penny.

I agree. I've had one since launch and I never use the joy cons unless i'm in portable mode.

A newly published "exploit chain" for Nvidia Tegra X1-based systems seems to describe an apparently unpatchable method for running arbitrary code on all currently available Nintendo Switch consoles. Hardware hacker Katherine Temkin and the hacking team at ReSwitched released an extensive outline of what they're calling the Fusée Gelée coldboot vulnerability earlier today, alongside a proof-of-concept payload that can be used on the Switch.

"Fusée Gelée isn't a perfect, 'holy grail' exploit—though in some cases it can be pretty damned close," Temkin writes in an accompanying FAQ.

The exploit, as outlined, makes use of a vulnerability inherent in the Tegra X1's USB recovery mode, circumventing the lock-out operations that would usually protect the chip's crucial bootROM. By sending a bad "length" argument to an improperly coded USB control procedure at the right point, the user can force the system to "request up to 65,535 bytes per control request." That data easily overflows a crucial direct memory access (DMA) buffer in the bootROM, in turn allowing data to be copied into the protected application stack and giving the attacker the ability to run arbitrary code.

On the Switch, the hardest part of the exploit seems to be forcing the system into USB recovery mode. To do this without opening the system requires shorting out a certain pin on the right Joy-Con connector (the bit on the side of the system where the Joy-Con clicks into place). The hacking team at Fail0verflow tweeted a picture of a small plug-in device that can apparently provide this short-out easily, and the team joked that a simple piece of wire from the hardware store can do so today. Temkin also tweeted a picture suggesting that simply exposing and bending the pin in question would also work.

If the bad guy has physical access to your machine, it's no longer your machine.

A newly published "exploit chain" for Nvidia Tegra X1-based systems seems to describe an apparently unpatchable method for running arbitrary code on all currently available Nintendo Switch consoles. Hardware hacker Katherine Temkin and the hacking team at ReSwitched released an extensive outline of what they're calling the Fusée Gelée coldboot vulnerability earlier today, alongside a proof-of-concept payload that can be used on the Switch.

"Fusée Gelée isn't a perfect, 'holy grail' exploit—though in some cases it can be pretty damned close," Temkin writes in an accompanying FAQ.

The exploit, as outlined, makes use of a vulnerability inherent in the Tegra X1's USB recovery mode, circumventing the lock-out operations that would usually protect the chip's crucial bootROM. By sending a bad "length" argument to an improperly coded USB control procedure at the right point, the user can force the system to "request up to 65,535 bytes per control request."
That data easily overflows a crucial direct memory access (DMA) buffer in the bootROM, in turn allowing data to be copied into the protected application stack and giving the attacker the ability to run arbitrary code.

On the Switch, the hardest part of the exploit seems to be forcing the system into USB recovery mode. To do this without opening the system requires shorting out a certain pin on the right Joy-Con connector (the bit on the side of the system where the Joy-Con clicks into place). The hacking team at Fail0verflow tweeted a picture of a small plug-in device that can apparently provide this short-out easily, and the team joked that a simple piece of wire from the hardware store can do so today. Temkin also tweeted a picture suggesting that simply exposing and bending the pin in question would also work.

If the bad guy has physical access to your machine, it's no longer your machine.

But if they need physical access to your Switch, that seems like a pretty ineffective hack for 99.9% of situations, right?

The Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it -- John Gilmore

So for some reason the urge to get a Switch is rising. Don’t know if it will pass but I’m curious what accessories do y’all think are useful? Oh and if I were to make such a purchase I’d probably get Mario Kart and Zelda to go with it. Perhaps Bayonetta 2 as well.

tl;dr

Wise words of warning from Smoove B: Oh, how you all laughed when I warned you about the semen. Well, who's laughing now?

As for games look into Octopath Traveler, too. Really promising looking Square Enix RPG that hits this Friday.

For accessories:

Pro Controller is more expensive than one would want but it's fantastic

a second pair of joy-cons is great to have in addition. If you can only get one or the other I'd go for the Pro Controller unless you want the joy cons for a less expensive route to 4-player mario kart

Hori Stand is great if you think you'll play in kickstand mode. Gives a better angle and allows for charging while in that config. I use this every time I'm on a plane with my Switch

As for games look into Octopath Traveler, too. Really promising looking Square Enix RPG that hits this Friday.

I have this pre-ordered and will be picking it up on Friday. Will give some feedback here once I’ve got a few hours in.

Y’s VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is also available on Switch, and is one of my favorite JRPGs of this generation. They completely overhauled the rather sketchy English translation for the Switch release, and I’ve heard it’s excellent.

Haven’t played it yet, but Shining Resonance Refrain has been getting decent reviews as well. Battle Chasers Nightwar is a fun FF-style game with beautiful artwork, if you missed it in other systems. And, of course, there’s always Xenoblade Chronicles 2, an very well-done game that just overstayed it’s welcome with me.

Games I've played on mine since getting it six months ago that I highly recommend-
- Zelda (one of my favorite games of all time)
- Mario Odyssey (I always enjoy Mario)
- Mario kart
- Skyrim (an oldie but a goodie and now handheld)
- stardew valley (I dumped hours into this)
- overcooked (my wife adores this game and I love the hectic fun)
- Donkey long tropical freeze (basically the Wii u version but still great fun and excellent cooperative)

I'm very much liking Octopath Traveller so far. It feels like a good old SNES era Square Enix RPG. Only con so far is that things are starting out as a slow side as you go around meeting the 8 characters and hearing their backstories.

If you haven't played Hollow Knight on Steam already, it's a fantastic Metroidvania style game that works great on the Switch.

Switch was delivered today. Didn't tell the kids. Wasn't expecting the screen to be that small. And had a chuckle on how many parts the package has.

Picked Odysee and it's pretty fun. Haven't tried to play on the screen and kinda feel the gestures are a little gimmicky.

The interface is very bland and simple and they could do a better job explaining how to use the parts and how to charge. It's in sleep mode now and hoping it charges as it's sleeping. I'm also assuming it's in that mode as there's no indication that it is other than me selecting it. A led light would be great. I mean you see the green when the dock is powered on. You think they could borrow from the PS4 and use different colors for different modes.

Anyways had a good time with it so far. Hoping the library gets better.

So my impressions have improved from my initial. I have downloaded some demos, but haven't had the chance to try them yet. Was hoping octopath had a demo, I thought I heard someone said they played a demo.

I'm impressed with the joy-cons. At first sight I was thinking man these are small and these would only fill Trump's hands, but they are surprisingly comfortable, haven't used it with the grip or attached to the screen because Odysee uses the gestures for some actions.

I have a $20 coupon to use at the estore and planning on picking up zelda or mario kart. My hope in the future is that they come out with some more serious games to compliment the kiddie type games.

So my impressions have improved from my initial. I have downloaded some demos, but haven't had the chance to try them yet. Was hoping octopath had a demo, I thought I heard someone said they played a demo.

I'm impressed with the joy-cons. At first sight I was thinking man these are small and these would only fill Drumpf's hands, but they are surprisingly comfortable, haven't used it with the grip or attached to the screen because Odysee uses the gestures for some actions.

I have a $20 coupon to use at the estore and planning on picking up zelda or mario kart. My hope in the future is that they come out with some more serious games to compliment the kiddie type games.

Zelda and the Pro controller are both no brainers. Also, there are several non kiddie type games. Xenoblade Chronicles, Beyonetta 1+2, Skyrim, Doom, Wolfenstein 2 for starters.

So my impressions have improved from my initial. I have downloaded some demos, but haven't had the chance to try them yet. Was hoping octopath had a demo, I thought I heard someone said they played a demo.

I'm impressed with the joy-cons. At first sight I was thinking man these are small and these would only fill Drumpf's hands, but they are surprisingly comfortable, haven't used it with the grip or attached to the screen because Odysee uses the gestures for some actions.

I have a $20 coupon to use at the estore and planning on picking up zelda or mario kart. My hope in the future is that they come out with some more serious games to compliment the kiddie type games.

Zelda and the Pro controller are both no brainers. Also, there are several non kiddie type games. Xenoblade Chronicles, Beyonetta 1+2, Skyrim, Doom, Wolfenstein 2 for starters.

I should clairify non kiddie games that i dont' already have on other platforms

Picked up Zelda using my $20 egift card. So far pretty cool. wished the battery lasted longer.... Going to the hospital for Ethan today and I'll be surpised if I'll have a charge when i get back.

So my impressions have improved from my initial. I have downloaded some demos, but haven't had the chance to try them yet. Was hoping octopath had a demo, I thought I heard someone said they played a demo.

I'm impressed with the joy-cons. At first sight I was thinking man these are small and these would only fill Drumpf's hands, but they are surprisingly comfortable, haven't used it with the grip or attached to the screen because Odysee uses the gestures for some actions.

I have a $20 coupon to use at the estore and planning on picking up zelda or mario kart. My hope in the future is that they come out with some more serious games to compliment the kiddie type games.

Zelda and the Pro controller are both no brainers. Also, there are several non kiddie type games. Xenoblade Chronicles, Beyonetta 1+2, Skyrim, Doom, Wolfenstein 2 for starters.

I should clairify non kiddie games that i dont' already have on other platforms

Yeah, good luck with that.

Outside of the main Nintendo franchises like Zelda and Mario (which I've never been a big fan of), there's very few games available that I haven't already played on another system. As a result, I use my Switch far less than I was expecting to.

Really basic questions...I read through the website, but I know you guys will give me a the honest low-down.

Q: I can buy 1 twitch and an extra controller and that will allow the wife and I to play?

Depends on what game you're looking to play. Some games require a full controller, others you can play with the detachable joy cons. I have a really hard time using a single joy con though...it just feels way too small.

I would also recommend looking into a Switch Pro Controller. I hesitated for a long time, but am glad I finally broke down and got one. It's a fantastic piece of hardware.

Q: Any must have add-ons?

You will absolutely want a screen protector. Getting it in and out of the dock will scratch it to hell if you don't have one.

Q: Any good cooking, trivia, family style games (she loved those)?

Although it didn't do much for me, lots of people loved Battle Chef Brigade. Sushi Striker also got really good reviews.